Damien Retallick, who is studying to be an agricultural engineer at Easton College.

Agricultural Engineer

Answers supplied by Tim Belden, lecturer
in engineering at Easton College. Easton College has a long and proud history of providing quality courses for the
agricultural and horticultural industries.
This has been complemented over recent times with the development of a broader range of specialist vocational courses,
ranging from equestrian studies and
animal care though to countryside management, sports studies and
public services.

What does the job entail?
Engineers can work in a number of areas. Some work in manufacturing: developing, designing, repairing and testing products and machinery, such as tractors, combine harvesters and forestry equipment. Some engineers deal with the use of the land itself, working in areas such as crop protection and processing, drainage, irrigation, land reclamation and clearance. One day you could be involved in repairing a complex hydraulic gearbox in a tractor, or overhauling a powerful multi-valve engine from an all-terrain vehicle. The next you might be testing a global positioning system for remote controlling a combine harvester. The work is certainly varied and at more senior levels you could be responsible for managing teams of highly-skilled technicians.

What skills and qualifications are needed?
Entry at technician level will require a National Vocational Qualification at level 2 (NVQ2) or a National Diploma (ND) in service engineering or land-based technology. A higher level of qualification, such as a Higher National Diploma (HND) or a degree would lead to a senior technician role, or a managerial position. For those with no formal qualifications the route into the industry would be via either obtaining a First Diploma (FD) and progressing on to an ND, or gaining a modern apprenticeship. These qualifications are offered at Easton and other colleges around the country.

What type of person will fit in?
For those with an interest in both the physical and the natural sciences, agricultural engineering will be worth considering as a career choice, particularly if you have a practical approach to problem-solving and like a challenge in your work.

What are the pluses and minuses of the job?
The hours often depend on the workload and the urgency of projects. Flexibility is often required, as some engineers may be on call and others may spend time travelling abroad, involving periods away from home. Agricultural engineers involved with design and research spend much of their time indoors, in workshops, laboratories and design offices. Field engineers spend some of their time outdoors visiting farms.

What opportunities exist for career progression?
With additional training and qualifications the opportunities to progress to senior technician and then into management, or specialist roles are excellent. Qualified engineers are highly regarded by other sectors and often sought after by the oil industry, motor industry, construction industry and rail industry.

What can I expect to earn?
Salaries range from £10,000-£15,000 for a junior technician and £30,000-plus for more senior, or specialist technicians. Management opportunities can attract salaries upwards of £50,000.

Any hints on getting a job in this area?
Try calling Easton College, where staff can advise you on training needs in the industry on (01603) 731200. Keep an eye on the recruitment section of the local papers. The Institution of Agricultural Engineers’ website also has good information and can be found at www.iagre.org